Evra set to face Kop as United reveal defender won't get preferential treatment

Manchester United assistant boss Mike Phelan has confirmed Patrice Evra will not be spared the trial of playing at Anfield on Saturday.

United's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Liverpool will be the first time they have faced their old rivals since Evra levelled racism allegations at Luis Suarez that ended with the Uruguay forward landing an eight-match ban.

Suarez will still be suspended this weekend, a fact that is only likely to heighten the normal antagonism for United from the Kop.

In the firing line: Evra is set to face Liverpool for the first time since the race row

Earlier this season, Sir Alex Ferguson left Wayne Rooney out of his starting line-up to face Liverpool due to the adverse reaction the striker receives in his home city, whilst last season, the United boss did not even take his star forward to former club Everton.

However, it seems Evra, likely to continue as captain in the absence of Nemanja Vidic with a season-ending injury, will be involved.

'It wouldn't be a consideration,' said Phelan, when asked by BBC Radio Manchester whether United had thought about leaving Evra out.

Banned: Suarez is serving a nine-game suspension

'Patrice Evra is a football player who plays for Manchester United.

'If he is fit, he is considered to play like any other player.

'What has happened has happened. What has been said has been said.

'You are talking about a football match now and I think it will be a very good FA Cup tie.'

United will head to Liverpool fresh from wins at Manchester City and Arsenal in their last two away games, but beset by injury.

In addition to Vidic, Darren Fletcher and long-term absentees Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Michael Owen, Nani is likely to miss out with a foot problem, whilst Rio Ferdinand is not expected to recover from a back complaint.

Of Phil Jones there is better news, with the teenager making a rapid recovery from an ankle problem Ferguson said on Sunday would keep him out for a number of weeks. It is not certain Jones will be fit for Saturday.

However, it would be a major bonus for United given the form he has shown since a £17million summer arrival from Blackburn.

'We are quietly surprised with what Phil has contributed so far this season,' said Phelan.

'What we intended to do was blood him in nicely and bring him through bit by bit. But he has hit the ground running.'